Polls: All black or white with few shades of gray

Polling surveys all seem to ask black or white questions that leave little or no room for grays. Take the gambling survey used your recent article "Poll finds support for same-sex marriage, but not gambling" (Sept. 29).

I think the question on gambling should have been a bit broader. For example, instead of simply asking "would you vote for expanded gambling Maryland," the survey might have asked "would you vote for allowing table games in Maryland casinos?" Or simply "does Maryland need another casino?"

One could clearly be for the first (table games) and not the second (another casino).

Once that's established, surveys could tackle the other claims, such as "is this measure really about more jobs or is it just about more money for the usual suspects — education, fire and police services?"

I always like to know who commissioned, designed and paid for the surveys published in the media.

Years ago we had 3-digit and 4-digit gambling, and over the years Maryland has offered several ways to gamble. But now we've hit the jackpot — we have casinos ("Horseshoe says casino drew 50,000 in opening weekend," Sept. 2).

It's way too early to panic over reports showing that the new Horseshoe Casino in downtown Baltimore is taking in about a third less money than consultants had projected. It takes time for new casinos to develop, and this one has only been in operation since August. But even if the trends hold,...

I love to go to the races. I love to play the races. It's one of my favorite pastimes, and I travel the country attending various racetracks. I also love Maryland racing, but the facilities at Pimlico Race Course make me not want to attend the live races at my home track ("Thoroughbred racing...

Regarding your article about our church working with a casino to promote jobs for city residents, the story may have conveyed the wrong impression about our view of the Sabbath ("Casino, church team up to promote jobs to city residents," Feb. 23).

As the owner of a small business that produces events in Baltimore, I have been pleased to see the continued growth of entertainment and cultural options in Baltimore City. However, I have mixed emotions about the large casino taking shape on Russell Street.